Brachypelma klaasi Care Sheet
Welcome to the world of Eight Legged Beauties, where we turn fuzzy fear into fascination!
Today we’re shining the spotlight on a rare gem with blush-pink legs and classic New-World charm — the Mexican Pink, Brachypelma klaasi.
Meet the Species
Scientific name: Brachypelma klaasi
Common name: Mexican Pink Tarantula (also Mexican Pink Beauty)
Type: Terrestrial / opportunistic burrower
Native to: Mexico (Pacific coast: Nayarit to Jalisco, 300–1,400 m elevation)
Adult size: Approximately 14–16 cm (5½–6¼″) leg span according to sources
Temperament: Generally docile but quite skittish; may flick urticating hairs if startled
Lifespan: Females ~20–30 years; males ~4–6 years in some reports
Experience level: Beginner → Intermediate (great choice for display-oriented keepers)
Fun Fact:
It’s the only true pink-legged species in the genus Brachypelma — making it a standout in the hobby
Setting Up Their Home
In the wild, B. klaasi occupies semi-arid tropical deciduous forests with sandy soils and seasonal rainfall. It often uses burrows or retreats under logs and roots.
Enclosure Tips
• For spiderlings: Use a small acrylic box, ~3× leg span wide.
• For juveniles: Medium terrestrial enclosure, width ~3–4× leg span.
• For adults: Larger terrestrial setup, width ~3–4× (or more) leg span; height kept modest to avoid fall risk.
• Orientation: Wider than tall — emphasizes horizontal space over height.
• Security: Ensure a tight-fitting lid, well-drilled ventilation holes; these spiders can be escape artists.
Substrate
Use about ½ to ⅔ of the enclosure depth of:
Organic topsoil / Terra Aranea (or similar mix)
Keep it firm but diggable
For slings: maintain one slightly damp corner; for adults: mostly dry with a moist retreat zone
Add a hide like cork bark, a fake plant, or half a flowerpot. A shallow water dish is essential, even if rarely used.
Temperature & Humidity
Setting Ideal Range Tips
Temperature 70-75°F Room temp is usually fine. Avoid heat lamps or direct sunlight.
Humidity 50-65% Keep mainly dry substrate; lightly mist or overflow water dish occasionally.
Ventilation High Proper airflow prevents mold.
Pro Tip:
Keep the bottom layer of substrate slightly moist and the top layers dry. This mimics the natural burrow conditions of B. klaasi.
Feeding Time
Spiderlings
Feed 2× per week
Pinhead crickets, fruit flies, or tiny roaches
Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours
Juveniles
Feed every 7–10 days
2–3 small crickets or one medium roach
Adults
Feed every 2–3 weeks
4–5 large crickets or one adult Dubia roach
Tip:
A healthy tarantula’s abdomen should be roughly the same width as its carapace.
Too plump = overfed. Too thin = time for a snack.
After a molt, always wait until the fangs are black again before offering food.
(Usually 24–48 hrs for slings, up to a week or more for adults.)
Behavior & Temperament
This species is known for being calm and choosing hiding or burrowing over confrontation, but it’s also skittish and easily startled — it may bolt or flick hairs rather than stand its ground.
• Spiderlings: Very fast, likely to dig or hide; may flick hairs with minimal provocation.
• Adults: More settled, may spend time in their home or hide, tolerant of normal care.
• Handling: Minimally recommended; the risks (fall, stress, hair kicking) outweigh the benefits.
Observation tip:
Look for new tunnels, substrate disturbance, or blocked hide entrances — often a sign your tarantula is gearing up for a molt. Give it quiet time and minimal disturbance.
Common Challenges
Too damp: Mold and mites increase ventilation
Too dry: Dehydration or failed molts
Overfeeding: Lethargy or injury from bloated abdomen
Frequent handling: Stress and hair kicking
Also watch for escape attempts; this species is fast and can dart out if the lid isn't secure.
Final Thoughts
Brachypelma klaasi is a beautiful, display-worthy tarantula that combines striking pink leg coloration with manageable care needs. While it thrives when observed rather than handled, with the right setup it’s an excellent choice for keepers who want a long-term, showpiece species. Respect its burrowing instinct, maintain appropriate substrate and humidity, and you’ll have an enchanting tarantula that can thrive for decades.